News

Raptor Maturation

5/8/2014

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Col.
David Piffarerio, Maj. Jonathan Gration, Maj. Ryan Pelkola, and Maj. Chad
Newkirk made history last week as they flew “the most experienced four-ship
flight in the history of the F-22, according to a May 6 release. The
pilots, who were assigned to the 477th Fighter Group, Alaska’s only Air Force
Reserve unit, had a combined total of 4,000 flight hours. They took off in a
“blue air” versus “red air” training exercise during Unit Training Assembly at
JB Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, on May 3. "It [is] a significant event
for the maturation of the F-22 program, but also for the 477th Fighter
Group," said Piffarerio, 477th FG deputy group commander. “Despite being
at a base where the weather conditions can be harsh and create maintenance
challenges, the F-22s at JBER have one of the best sortie generation rates in
the combat Air Force,” said Lt. Col. Aaron Heick, 477th Fighter Group deputy
commander for maintenance. "The Raptor plays a crucial role in our
national interests.